Thursday, March 30, 2017

Baseball Buildup?

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Good morning, this is Topher and Gabriel from Washington Church of Christ, bringing you a positive Message Minute. 

Here's a positive direction for all you parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, coaches, and friends out there who will be following one of America's great past times this spring and summer.  Consider following Paul's words in Ephesians on the baseball field as he says,

"Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building others up…" - Ephesians 4:29a

I'm coaching Gabriel's little league baseball team, which means I'm charged with teaching these young impressionable boys some baseball and life skills.  I know, I know, I know, our current culture tells us that it is ok to direct, yelling, insults, distractions, and things we call "chatter" toward kids and adults to diminish their performance (as long as they are on the OTHER team).  Yet, if we believe the Bible gives us direction for what we do on the baseball field and off of it, then we might be convicted in heart by the direction, "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building others up." 

Now, about those umpires…

I challenge you to consider changing your voice this season in sports and in life to an encouraging one that seeks only to build others up.  You'll be glad you did.  



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  Message Minutes are sponsored by  Washington Church of Christ and recorded for the public 107.9 The Memories WAMW morning radio program.  They air at approximately 7:35am on Weekday Mornings.
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Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Forgiven Much

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Good morning, this is Topher from Washington Church of Christ bringing you a positive message minute.

Wow, I love my wife!  Do you want to know how I know that I love my wife?  Let me tell you a quick story.  

Topher in 2003
Fifteen years ago I had the perfect setting to propose.  A blanket in the park, comfort food, mood music, a bouquet of roses, and a ring hidden inside one of the roses.  While the sappy music about love was playing, I dropped to one knee, grabbed the rose with the ring…. And panicked!  The ring wasn't in the rose!  She saw the look on my face and knew I had botched this one.  I began frantically searching the grass around us looking for that precious symbol of love that had fallen out of the rose!  Eventually, I found it, and even though I'm a blundering idiot sometimes, she said yes

How do I know I love her?  Is it because I gave her a symbol of love, a ring? 


Ashley and Topher in 2004
Jesus spoke of it this way in Luke 7 about a woman who was a sinner, "Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven--as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little."

The best evidence of my love for my beautiful bride isn't what I give her, but in my response to how much she has forgiven me! 


Consider how much you've been forgiven in life and show your love to those who forgive you.  You'll be glad you did. 
Ashley and Topher in 2017


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  Message Minutes are sponsored by  Washington Church of Christ and recorded for the public 107.9 The Memories WAMW morning radio program.  They air at approximately 7:35am on Weekday Mornings.
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Monday, March 27, 2017

Fear, Faith, & the Father

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Good morning, this is Topher, from Washington Church of Christ, bringing you a positive message minute.

It was about 9pm in the dark woods, and it certainly was not quiet.  My wife and children were helping me clean up after an exciting weekend retreat in woods.   I can't even begin to describe the various participants in this cacophony of sounds that at least included owls, woodpeckers, crickets, toads, coyotes and more.  My children were walking along a path in the woods with no flashlights and no fear.   Why were the children unafraid of all the supposed monsters lurking in the dark? 
Topher & Ethan about 7 years ago. Photo taken by Ashley.

Pauls describes it this way in Romans 8:15, "For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”

I think of it this way, when children know that their Father is near, they can be free from the chains of fear.



Fear is promoted in our society because it's a big money maker, and odds are, you struggle with more fear than you'll ever need.  Today, I remind you of your mission to promote faith instead of fear, in your own heart and the hearts of those you love.  Remember that the Father is near.  You'll be glad you did.   


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  Message Minutes are sponsored by  Washington Church of Christ and recorded for the public 107.9 The Memories WAMW morning radio program.  They air at approximately 7:35am on Weekday Mornings.
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Thursday, March 23, 2017

Remember the Birds

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Good morning, this is Topher from Washington Church of Christ, bringing you a positive message minute.

Bald Eagle at EastSide Park
credit: James D Clarke
You know what I love this time of year?  Birds.  Every morning as the sun smiles on Indiana I hear their sweet songs rising up as praise to God in the heavens.  This is that time of year when the birds begin to sing their loudest and we are blessed to be able to enjoy it.  Here in the middle of the city of Washington we enjoy birds of all types.  Even a true bald eagle was photographed in East Side Park recently! 


Bald Eagle at EastSide Park
credit: James D Clarke
I also enjoy the birds for another reason.  They remind me not to worry.  After healing and showing compassion on people, Jesus went up to a high spot so the crowds could Hear him and He said these words,  "Do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on.  Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not of more value than they?" - Matthew 6:25a-26


God finds birds valuable.  God finds you valuable.  Today, go out and listen for the birds sweet songs and remember to worry a little less about life.  You'll be glad you did.


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  Message Minutes are sponsored by  Washington Church of Christ and recorded for the public 107.9 The Memories WAMW morning radio program.  They air at approximately 7:35am on Weekday Mornings.
To find more of the Message Minutes that have been uploaded to this blog CLICK HERE.  

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Wednesday, March 22, 2017

A New Favorite Crayon?

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Good morning, this is Topher from Washington Church of Christ, bringing you a positive message minute.

credit: pixabay.com
Let me take you back to one of those great childhood memories with just one word.  Crayon.  Whether you pronounce it "Crown", "Cran", or "Cra-yon", these little wax sticks were a privilege to use and our artwork from them was masterful to behold in those toddler and elementary years.  How many hours did we spend picking out just the right colors that fit this curve and that shape?  Crayons were a way of expressing ourselves and we got to choose from 12 or 108 different expressions. 

Disney thought the same thing too!
As we grow older, I think Crayons are a lot like our attitudes.  We still get to choose the one we want for every situation.  Joy, Anger, Peace, Depression, Mercy, Frustration.  These are some of our colors of expression.  

I'm working on a new favorite crayon, you know, that go-to crayon that you could use in any situation, and I'd like to share this color through a Bible verse.  Paul says this in Philippians 4. "In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance, and need.  I have learned in whatever situation I am, to be content." 


Today, let's try out a new color from that crayon box of responses, because it just might be your favorite that fits every circumstance.  Try to enjoy being content today.  You'll be glad you did. 




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  Message Minutes are sponsored by  Washington Church of Christ and recorded for the public 107.9 The Memories WAMW morning radio program.  They air at approximately 7:35am on Weekday Mornings.
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Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Micah's Tough Questions

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Good morning, this is Topher from Washington Church of Christ, bringing you a positive Message Minute. 

I have a wonderful three year old son.  Here's a brief introduction to Micah's little voice.


**Micah sings a portion of "Jesus Loves Me"**

When Micah isn't singing faith filled and fun songs, he likes to ask questions.  Questions such as, "Why is the excavator there?"  "Why are we going to the store?"  "Why do we need a jacket?"  "Why does the dog use the bathroom?" The questions never end and I try to answer, not because Micah needs my knowledge, but because he needs to know I care.  

Jesus too asks a lot of difficult questions in the gospels, and I think we need to try to answer, not because he needs our knowledge, but because we need to show that we care.  Questions such as, "Where is your faith?" (Luke 8:22-25), "What do you seek?" (John 1:35-42), and "Do you know what I have done for you?" (John 13:5-15) But maybe the toughest that I need to wrestle with is the one that requires the shortest answer.  Jesus asks, "Do you love me?" (John 21:15-17). 


I encourage you today, to take some time out of your busy and hurried schedule to wrestle with some of the tough questions that come in life.  You'll be glad you did. 



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  Message Minutes are sponsored by  Washington Church of Christ and recorded for the public 107.9 The Memories WAMW morning radio program.  They air at approximately 7:35am on Weekday Mornings.
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Monday, March 20, 2017

Temptation with Chris Pratt.

credit: wikipedia
No, I haven't even seen
the movie. 
If you haven't seen popular Chris Pratt's (Star Lord in Gardians of the Galaxy) Instragram feed titled, #WhatsMySnack, you're missing out on a perfectly good sermon illustration on sin and temptation, along with a few genuinely funny laughs.   Don't wait, watch this quick video and check out the James 1:14-16 scripture reference below.  Turn the volume up and pick out several quick quotes to launch into great spiritual discussions. You can thank me by eating an Olive Oil Pistachio Cake.

A post shared by chris pratt (@prattprattpratt) on

"But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.  16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers." - James 1:14-16 

Am I Indecisive?

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Good morning, this is Topher from Washington Church of Christ bringing you a Message Minute.

credit: www.successwithkirk.net
Someone once said, "I used to think I was indecisive, but now I'm not too sure."

It's Monday morning and I'm already struggling with making some decisions.  Yet, I don't want that indecisiveness to set the tone for the rest of my week.  Well there's good news friends, because God has the remedy when He inspires James to write,  "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting." (James 1:5-6a) God gives wisdom generously to all.  What a comforting thought that is as we face the many decisions of the day.


If you're already struggling with decision fatigue, I encourage you to pray for wisdom, to read your Bible for inspiration, to go with the best decision in front of you, and to be content with what God has given you.  You'll be glad you did. 


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  Message Minutes are sponsored by  Washington Church of Christ and recorded for the public 107.9 The Memories WAMW morning radio program.  They air at approximately 7:35am on Weekday Mornings.
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Thursday, March 16, 2017

Lesson from Leviticus

Lesson from Leviticus

As I read through the not-so-exciting (at least to me) portions of Leviticus and make my way through all the rules and regulations for the people of Israel (especially for the priests), it occurs that I’m learning some things about God that I would otherwise never know. God is concerned about some things that I would normally think are trivial (failing to add salt to offerings Lev 2:13) and I’m concerned about some things that aren’t nearly as important to God (the sound quality of my own voice singing).

That leads me to what I think is a really important conclusion—I was made for God; God was not made for me! "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being." - Rev 4:11

I think that’s essential wisdom to sanctified living and some today refuses to recognize this. Consequently, to some, God is his servant rather than him being God’s servant. You hear it in statements such as, “God wants you to be happy. God wants you to be successful. God wants you to reach your full potential. God wants you to be rich.” Can you see how this all focuses on me?!

Yes, He loves me more than I can imagine (Eph 3:19).  Yes, He cares for my stresses and anxieties (1 Pet 5:7).  Yet, God doesn’t exist for me.  He did okay before I came along (John 1:1-2) and I’m pretty sure he will be able to function when I’m gone.

It changes your entire focus in life when you acknowledge that you are God’s servant. You are a follower of Jesus Christ. Your objective in life is to please Him (2 Cor 5:9). Check out the first statement in each of Paul’s epistles. He regularly began by making it clear that he was a servant of God and/or Jesus Christ (See Romans 1:1). He existed to do God’s will and so do we. Recognition of that one fundamental reality changes the focus of our entire life.


Pick up Leviticus for a minute and may your life be changed through this awareness today.


Living Lessons are articles written for the weekly Washington Church of Christ bulletin.  You can find more by clicking HERE or searching for "Living Lesson" in the right sidebar search.

Phenomenal Verbal Powers

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Good morning, this is Topher from Washington Church of Christ, bringing you a positive Message Minute.

Do you remember that funny quote from the Disney's 1992 hit movie, Aladdin, when the Genie declares that he has, "Phenomenal cosmic powers … itty-bitty living space"?
 
While this fantasy thriller of a family tale was entertaining, this scene may have more truth in our lives than we realize.  We are like the genie, we have phenomenal amazing powers too, and they definitely affect our living spaces.  Wise King Solomon put it this way, "By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is overthrown." (Proverbs 11:11)  There, in Proverbs 11, Solomon has  a lot to say about the power of the words that come out of our mouths.  They bring the power to heal or the power to destroy.  They begat rejoicing, or lament.  They reveal a person's ignorance or display great wisdom.  They destroy a neighbor or they deliver you from trouble. 

Let's endeavor to follow the wisdom of James as we try to be intentional stewards of our phenomenal verbal powers today, "Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger." (from James 1:19)  You'll be glad you did. 




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  Message Minutes are sponsored by  Washington Church of Christ and recorded for the public 107.9 The Memories WAMW morning radio program.  They air at approximately 7:35am on Weekday Mornings.
To find more of the Message Minutes that have been uploaded to this blog CLICK HERE.  

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